University Physics II · topic UPII-E2.09
Molecular speed distribution and mean free path
Connect the ideas, make your working visible, and test the result. Use the hints when you need a starting point; open the full solution after your attempt.
Further practice
Work through a fresh case before tackling the extension.
Molecular Speeds & Mean Free Path: predict a finite change
The Maxwell–Boltzmann speed distribution f(v) gives the fraction of the molecules of an equilibrium gas whose speeds lie in a narrow band dv about v, and the mean free path λ is the average distance one of them travels between collisions. Use the supplied topic model Y_out = sqrt(16628*temp/mass), where Y_out is MOST PROBABLE v_p (m s⁻¹). The output symbol Y_out is distinct from all input symbols. ^ denotes a power; π = 3.141592653589793; sqrt(x) means √x. mass is Molar mass M, measured in g mol⁻¹. Keep temp (Temperature T) = 300 K fixed. For this exercise use only 8.25 g mol⁻¹ ≤ mass ≤ 39.75 g mol⁻¹ on this continuous branch. A grid of test settings is an input restriction for this exercise, not by itself a claim of physical quantisation. This calculation retains the topic model's stated assumptions; it does not extend them to a different physical setup. Calculate Y_out at mass = 15.18 g mol⁻¹ and 19.59 g mol⁻¹. Find the signed output change ΔY_out and the average sensitivity ΔY_out/Δmass across this interval. State whether the response increases or decreases; distinguish this interval average from a derivative at one point.
MOST PROBABLE v_p against mass
Predictions from the supplied Molecular Speeds & Mean Free Path model, with all other inputs fixed as stated in the question. 5 calibration points support a trend comparison; they are not measured data or a straight-line law.
Vertical axis (y): MOST PROBABLE v_p / m s⁻¹
Horizontal axis (x): mass: Molar mass M / g mol⁻¹
Axes show the supplied calibration interval; the origin may lie outside the plot.
Read the exact data as a table
| mass: Molar mass M / g mol⁻¹ | MOST PROBABLE v_p / m s⁻¹ |
|---|---|
| 8.25 | 777.5953610037456 |
| 16.125 | 556.1997298946519 |
| 24 | 455.90569200219466 |
| 31.875 | 395.5993219526694 |
| 39.75 | 354.25180256794954 |
These are the supplied values, not a worked answer. No fitted trend is drawn.
Show a hint
Substitute each value of mass separately while keeping every other input fixed, then subtract in the same order.
Reveal the worked solution
- At mass = 15.18 g mol⁻¹, substitute into Y_out = sqrt(16628*temp/mass): Y₀ = 573.251 m s⁻¹.
- At mass = 19.59 g mol⁻¹, the same fixed-parameter model gives Y₁ = 504.619 m s⁻¹.
- Signed change: ΔY_out = Y₁ − Y₀ = -68.6321 m s⁻¹; the input change is Δmass = 4.41 g mol⁻¹.
- Average sensitivity is ΔY_out/Δmass = -15.5628 m s⁻¹ per g mol⁻¹. Its negative sign means that this response decreases over the specified interval.
- This is a secant slope between two settings. It equals a point derivative only for a locally linear relation or in a justified small-interval limit.
Answer Y₀ = 573.251 m s⁻¹, Y₁ = 504.619 m s⁻¹; ΔY_out = -68.6321 m s⁻¹; average sensitivity = -15.5628 m s⁻¹ per g mol⁻¹.
Compare the assumptions, method and units with your attempt. Explain any correction before trying another question.
Extra challenging questions
Work through the linked stages and explain what each result means.
Molecular Speeds & Mean Free Path: infer an input with uncertainty
The Maxwell–Boltzmann speed distribution f(v) gives the fraction of the molecules of an equilibrium gas whose speeds lie in a narrow band dv about v, and the mean free path λ is the average distance one of them travels between collisions. Use the supplied topic model Y_out = sqrt(16628*temp/mass), where Y_out is MOST PROBABLE v_p (m s⁻¹). The output symbol Y_out is distinct from all input symbols. ^ denotes a power; π = 3.141592653589793; sqrt(x) means √x. mass is Molar mass M, measured in g mol⁻¹. Keep temp (Temperature T) = 300 K fixed. For this exercise use only 8.25 g mol⁻¹ ≤ mass ≤ 39.75 g mol⁻¹ on this continuous branch. A grid of test settings is an input restriction for this exercise, not by itself a claim of physical quantisation. This calculation retains the topic model's stated assumptions; it does not extend them to a different physical setup. A reading gives Y_out = 426.17781 m s⁻¹, with a bounded reading uncertainty ±10.789 m s⁻¹. Treat the model and all fixed inputs as exact for this exercise; the bound is not a standard deviation. First estimate the unknown mass by straight-line interpolation between the two endpoint predictions. Then solve the actual model on the stated branch to an absolute input tolerance of 0.00315 g mol⁻¹, using a numerical bracket if required. Find the full input interval consistent with the bounded reading uncertainty and compare it with a symmetric input-error assumption. Do not assume that the supplied calibration points prove monotonicity outside this branch.
MOST PROBABLE v_p against mass
Predictions from the supplied Molecular Speeds & Mean Free Path model, with all other inputs fixed as stated in the question. 5 calibration points support a trend comparison; they are not measured data or a straight-line law.
Vertical axis (y): MOST PROBABLE v_p / m s⁻¹
Horizontal axis (x): mass: Molar mass M / g mol⁻¹
Axes show the supplied calibration interval; the origin may lie outside the plot.
Read the exact data as a table
| mass: Molar mass M / g mol⁻¹ | MOST PROBABLE v_p / m s⁻¹ |
|---|---|
| 8.25 | 777.5953610037456 |
| 16.125 | 556.1997298946519 |
| 24 | 455.90569200219466 |
| 31.875 | 395.5993219526694 |
| 39.75 | 354.25180256794954 |
These are the supplied values, not a worked answer. No fitted trend is drawn.
Show a hint
The model's endpoint predictions bracket the reading. Solve Y_out(mass) = Y_measured and then solve again at Y_measured − u and Y_measured + u; a nonlinear inverse can give unequal input deviations.
Reveal the worked solution
- Endpoint predictions are Y_out(8.25) = 777.595 m s⁻¹ and Y_out(39.75) = 354.252 m s⁻¹. The target lies between them. On the selected branch the response is strictly decreasing.
- Endpoint interpolation gives mass_line = 8.25 + (426.178 − 777.595)(39.75 − 8.25)/(354.252 − 777.595) = 34.3982 g mol⁻¹. This estimates the inverse of the endpoint chord, rather than assuming that chord is the physical model.
- Use the actual equation, not the chord, and bracket its root. Evaluating the midpoint and retaining the sign-changing half-interval gives mass = 27.465 g mol⁻¹; substituting back gives Y_out = 426.17781 m s⁻¹.
- The interpolation error in the input is |mass_line − mass| = 6.93315 g mol⁻¹. This is larger than the requested numerical tolerance.
- Invert both limits Y_out = 415.38881 m s⁻¹ and 436.96681 m s⁻¹. Sort the roots even if the response decreases: 26.1255 g mol⁻¹ ≤ mass ≤ 28.9102 g mol⁻¹.
- The lower and upper input deviations are 1.33951 g mol⁻¹ and 1.44524 g mol⁻¹. They differ because the inverse response is nonlinear; a symmetric error bar would only be a local approximation. This interval includes reading uncertainty only, not model error or uncertainty in fixed inputs.
Answer mass ≈ 27.465 g mol⁻¹; compatible interval [26.1255, 28.9102] g mol⁻¹. Endpoint interpolation gives 34.3982 g mol⁻¹.
Compare the assumptions, method and units with your attempt. Explain any correction before trying another question.